Badiographic apparatus



Jan. 31, 1.933. J. R. KELLEY RADIOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Filed Jan. 15. 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 l, J W

Jan. 3l, 1933. J. R. KELLEY RADIOGRAPHIC APPARATUS 5 Sheets-5heet 2 Filed Jan. 15. 1929 Inventor amm,

Jan. 31, 1933. J, R, KELLEY 1,895,546

RADIOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Filed Jan. 15. 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Inventor,

6 W Attorney,

Jan. 31, 1933. J. R. KELLEY RADIOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Filed Jan. '15. 1929 5 Sheeizs-Sheet 4 W I], N VEN TOR.

G I a W a A TTORNEY.

Jan. 31, 1933. KELLEY 1,895,546

RADIOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Filed Jan. 15. 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

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Patented Jan. 31, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT @FFI'CE.

MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF GOVINGTON, KENTUCKY,

KENTUCKY -A CORPORATION OF RADIOGRAPHIG APPARATUS Application filed January 15, 1929. Serial No. 332,618.

My invention relates to improvements in radiographic apparatus. One of its objects is to provide improved: apparatus to-support and adjust the X-ray' generator with reference to objects to be rad-iographed and the sensitive plates onwhich the images are to be formed. Another object is toprovide improved supporting and adjustingapparatus adapted to adjust the X-ray generator from one position to another position during the interval between two radiographic exposures using-the same object, for the purpose of producing stereoscopic radiographs. Another object is to provide improved apparatus adapted when initiated to automatically carry out a cycle of movements or adjustments of an X-ray generator to make a first exposure, to change the relative position of the X-ray generator, to make. a second exposure using the same object, to carry out a period of rest or inactivity, and to finally restore the X-ray apparatus to its original position and thereby end the cycle of movement with the apparatus ready to commence a new cycle of operation. Another object is toprovide for dilferent degrees of adjustment of the X-ray generator relative to the sensitive plates- Another-object is to provide improved means to adjust the X-ray generator without developing vibratory movements in the apparatus or generator. My invention also relates to certain details of form and arrangement and combination of components, all of which will be fully setforthin the description of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an X-ray generator and supporting and adjustingapparatus therefor embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same.

Fig. 3 isan enlarged plan of a portion of the supporting apparatus with the X-ray generator detached.

Fig. A is a side elevation, partly in central vertical section, of the apparatus shown in F1 2 3.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail of the hydrauli reservoir detached, and parts carried thereby.

Fig. 6 is a plan of the hydraulic plunger detached.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the hydraulic plunger detached.

Figs. 8 and 9 are details of an electrical switch, showing relatively different positions thereof;

Figs. 10 and 11 are details of the hydraulic cylinder, plunger and their locking and releasing apparatus in relatively different positions.

Fig. 12 is a. side elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the hydraulic release valve locking lever detached.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the hydraulic release valvedetached.

Fig. 15 is a perspective View of a release lever adapted to release the hydraulic plunger and hydraulic releasevalve to initiate a cycle of action.

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic view of the electricalcircuit.

Fig. 17 is a sectional detail taken on line l-7-17 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 18 is'an enlarged sectional detailtaken on line 1818 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged sectional detail taken on line 1919 of Fig. 4. v

The accompanying drawings illustrate a modification or embodiment of my invention in which 20 represents a base member adapt ed tobe rigidly and non-adjustably mounted. The basemember 20 is provided with ways 21 along which a sub-base member 22 is adapted to be adjusted toward and. from a sensitive plate holder and object to be radiographed, which plate holder and object to be radiographed are not shown. The X-ray generator may thus be adjusted to and from the object to be radiographed to adapt it to take radiographic or stereo-radiographicrepresentations of the lungs, heart, or'other internal organs, each of which services requires special adjustment of the X-ray generator relative to the object, to obtain the best results.

Tubular uprights '23 and 24 extend upwardly from the sub-base member 22 to the maximum height to which the X-ray generator' requires to be adjusted. Mounted upon the upper ends of the uprights 28' and 24 is a cross bar 25 which carries journal boxes 26 to rotatably support the axle 27 of a sprocket wheel 28. A vertically movable carriage 29 is mounted exteriorly of the upright 24 and provided with rollers 30 and 31 to engage the upright 24 and ride practically without friction or vibration thereon. A sprocket chain 32 is attached at one end to the upper end of the carriage 29 and at its opposite end is attached to a counter-weight 33, which serves to counter-balance the weight of the carriage 29 and parts carried thereby. The middle portion of the sprocket chain is supported upon and rides upon the sprocket wl eel 28, to further provide for a practically frictionless and vibrationless adjustment of the carriage 29, and weight 33. The weight 33 is housed within the tubular upright 23. Brace rods 34 extend from the head 25 to the sub-base 22 to laterally support the uprights 23 and 24, and render the supporting mechanism rigid upon and relative to the sub-base The carriage 29 is provided with a bracket or extension 35, which dependingly therefrom supports a hydraulic reservoir 36, which above said bracket supports an electrio motor 37, and an X-ray generator and means to initiate and carry out a cycle of movement of said X-ray generator relative to the carriage 29 and bracket 35. A hydraulic cylinder 38 is mounted rigidly relative to the reservoir 36, and an extension 39 thereof provides a housing for two spur gears 40 and 41, which mesh together, and when one of said gears is driven from the motor 37 by means of a shaft 42, said gears act as a hydraulic pump and pump a fluid, for instance lubricating oil, from the reservoir 36 through an intake passage 43 to and past said gears 40 and 41 and through an eXit passage 44 past a check valve 45 into the lower portion of said hydraulic cylinder below the hydraulic piston or plunger 46, and serves to lift the plunger 46 within and relative to the cylinder 38. The reservoir 36 is provided with a lid 47, upon which the motor 37 is mounted, and the shaft 42 is provided with a disk or plate 48 which serves to prevent oil from being splashed or thrown against the upper end of the shaft 42 so as to escape through the opening in the lid 47. The upper portion of the cylinder 38 extends through an opening in the lid 47 and above the reservoir 36. At the upper end of the cylinder 38 is rigidly mounted a cap or bracket 480 which serves as a guide for the upper end of a valve rod or plunger 49, and also as a guide for a cylindrical rod 50. The bracket 480 also serves as a support for a valve rod locking member 51, and also as a support for a releasing lever 52.

A bracket 53 is attached rigidly to the upper end of the plunger 46 by means of a clamping bolt 540, and by means of one or more dowel pins 550, carried by the bracket 53, and adapted to enter one or more of the holes 56 in the upper end of the plunger 46, the plunger being adapted to be set and rigidly clamped in any one of three difierent positions relative to the bracket 53. By means of the depending guide rod 50 attached at its upper end to the bracket 53, and having sliding engagement with the bracket 480 rigid on the upper end of the cylinder, the bracket 53 and plunger 46 are held non-rotatable relative to the cylinder 38. The adjustment of the plunger rotatably relative to the bracket 53 provides for setting any one of the recesses 54 of the plunger 46 in alignment with a latch or bolt 55, carried in av recess 56 in the bracket 480 and energized by a coil spring 57 to enter the recess 54 in alignment therewith, and positively latch the plunger 46 to the desired vertical position relative to the cylinder 38 until it is desired to retract said latch or bolt 55 and release the plunger 46 for a cycle of movement. The lock lever 51 is pivotally mounted at 58 upon a vertical pin carried by the bracket 480, and is energized by a spring 552, see Fig. 13 to yieldingly hold its free end 59in engagement with the valve rod 49 so as to enter a notch or recess 60 therein and lock said valve rod temporarily against movement upwardly. The opposite end of the lever 51 is in the path of movement of an arm 61 of the releasing lever 52. The lever 52 is pivotally supported at 62 by means of a pivot pin carried by the bracket 480. The outer reduced end of the bolt 55 passes through the slot in the arm 63 of lever 52, and has a pair of lock nuts 64 and 65 adjustable upon the reduced end of bolt 55 so as to be engaged by the arm 63 to retract the bolt 55 from engagement with the recess 54 of plunger 46. A solenoid or electro-Inagnet 64 is mounted rigidly upon the lid 47, and is provided with a. movable armature 650, the upper end of which enters the slot in the arm 66 of the lever 52. A pair of lock nuts adjustable upon the stem of the armature 650 above the arm 66 enables said armature 650 when moved by closing its circuit 67 and energizing the solenoid 64, to rock the lever 52, thereby retracting the bolt 55 and freeing the plunger 46 and rocking the lever 51 to release the valve rod 49 from engagement therewith. The circuit 67 is preferably closed by means of a push-button switch 670 therein actuated by the operator.

The bracket 53 is provided with a vertical plate, 70 provided with recesses 71 to support one or more diaphragms adapted to limit the field of X-ray exposure. The X-ray generator 74 is housed in a shield 73, adapted to prevent escape of X-rays except in the desired direction through the diaphragms 75. The shield 73 is adapted to be clamped or detachably mounted upon the plate 7 O of the bracket 53.

The bracket 53 has depending therefrom a rod 76 the lower end of which is supported relative to the bracket 53 by means of a cross bar 77 attached rigidly to the lower end of the guide bar 50. The rod 7 6 has a tube or sleeve 86 rotatably adjustably mounted thereon. The sleeve 86 is exteriorly polygonal and for instance with four faces, and near its upper end is provided with a projection 78 upon three of its faces which is in position to engage and downwardly throw or shift a switch lever 89 at the lower limit of movement of the bracket 53, plunger 46 and projection 7 8. The sleeve 86 upon three of its four faces near the lower end of said sleeve, and differently spaced vertically upon said sleeve is provided with a plurality of projections 7 9, which are rotatably adjustable with the sleeve 80 so as to selectively bring either one of said projections 79 into position to engage the switch lever 80 when the bracket 53, and plunger 46 are in elevated positions and to shift said lever 80 in a reverse direction to the action of the projection 7 8 upon said lever 80. A spring actuated laich 8:2 holds the sleeve 86 and projections 78 and 79 to any position to which they may be adjusted upon the rod 76. i

The plunger 49 at its lower end enters a cylinder 96 formed in the shell of the cylinder 38 near the bottom thereof and below the level of the oil in the reservoir 36. The plunger 49 seats upon a spring 97 which normally holds the plunger 49 in an elevated position, in which position the lower end of the plunger 49 is slightly above the port 99 which leads from the bottom of the cylinder 38 through both walls of the cylinder 96 into the reservoir 36. The upper end. of the plunger passes through and is guided by the plate 480, and the upper end of plunger 49 is in position to he engaged or struck by the plate 53 in its lower position to thereby depress the plunger 49 and compress the spring 97 until the lower end of plunger 49 closes the port 99. The lever 51 is also adapted to he engaged with the ledge 60, and interposed between the ledge 60 and the lower face of the plate 480, to also hold the plunger 49 depressed and the plunger 49 in position to close the port 99. The tapered section 100, see Fig. 14, of the plunger 49 adapted to force the section 59 of lever 51 outwardly from the plunger 49. \Vhile the plunger 46 is being elevated the end 59 of lever 51 engages ledge 60 and holds rod 49 in its depressed position until the lever 51 is tripped by the arm 61 and lever 51 freed from the ledge 60, whereupon the rod 49 is elevated by a spring 97.

In operation the pendulously mounted plate holder carriage which carries two plate holders side by side is set to make an exposure upon a sensitive plate in one of said plate holders, and then for the plate holder car riage to be unlatched and to swing to a position to bring the plate in the opposite plate holder in position for asecond exposure. This second exposure may be of an entirely different subject and at either a short or a long interval after the first exposure, or the second exposure may be made of the same object at a very short interval after the first exposure, and for stereoscopic purposes.

In the event that only one exposure of a' usual manual switch (not shown) then mannally trips the plate changing switch (see Fig. 16) to change the plate and then again energize the X-ray generator with the normal energizing switch (not shown).

lVhere it is desired to make stereo-radio graphs the apparatus and object are adjusted and the push button switch 670 is used. The first exposure is made by the operator who usually closes the switch while one plate With the X-ray generator and its supporting plun er 46 are in an elevated osition. T he switch adjusting sleeve 86 is arranged to shift the switch lever 89 and thereby shift the switch lever 81 and close one circuit branch and open the other circuit branch. After the first exposure has been made the plate holder carriage is released and moves to a new position bringing a fresh plate holder into position to be exposed. At the same time the solenoid 64 is energized and its armature 650 is drawn downwardly which retracts the lateh plunger and releases the plunger 46. The arm 61 of the lever 52 also engages the free end of the lever 51 and disengages the end 59 of lever 51 from the shoulder of the plunger 49, which allows the plunger 49 to rise and uncover the port 99 and as the fluid flows through the ports 99 from the cylinder 38 to the reservoir 36. the plunger 46 and X-ray generator descend by gravity to a new lower position. As soon as the plate 53 strikes the upper end of the plunger 49, the plunger 49 moves downward ly and the plunger 49 is forced down to cover the port 99 which checks the downward movement of the plunger 46 and X-ray generator an exposure on the second plate is then made after which a small amount of leakage past the plunger 49 and through the port 99 permits the plunger 46 and Xray generator to slowly descend covering an interval of se eral seconds of time during which the mo jection 78 reaches and reverses the position of the switch lever 80, which starts the mo tor 37 and restores the plunger 46 and X-ray generator to their elevated position. The second exposure is made by the operator immediately upon the plunger 46 and X-ray generator reaching their lower position. The downward movement of plunger 46 carries with it the projection 78 which strikes the switch lever 80, and actuates the switch lever 81 to close one circuit branch and open the other, in which is included the motor 37, which actuates the pump and after a short interval sufiicient to complete the second exposure, pumps fluid from the reservoir 36 through the port 44 past the check valve 45 into the cylinder 38 below the plunger 46, thereby causing the plunger 46 and X-ray generator to rise slowly to their first or elo vated position, whereupon the plunger energized by the spring 57, enters one of the recesses and locks the plunger 46 in its elevated position. The pressure of the arm 61 is also released from the lever 51 which returns to position to engage with the shoulder 60 of the plunger 49 to hold the port 99 closed. At the same position at which th. plunger 55 enters the recess one of the projections 79 is in position to engage the lever 80 and shift the switch lever 81 back to its original position ready to commence a new cycle of operations and thereby also opening the circuit branch thr ugh the motor 37 and stopping the operation of the pump 41. By shifting the plunger 46 rotatably relative to the plate 53 and dowel pins any desired one of the diilerenlly spaced recesses 54 may be brought into alignment with the plunger 55. thereby providing for moving the plunger 46 and X-ray generator carried therebv a greater or less distance vertically relative to the cylinder 38. If desired all three recesses 54 may be placed in a single vertical row. The projections 78 and 79 are also adjustable rotatably upon the rod 76 in order to reverse the switch lever 80 at different intervals in the vertical position of the plunger 46 relative to the cylinder 38.

In Figure 16 I have shown diagrammatically a circuit adapted to be employed in connection with the apparatus herein disclosed and with plate holder shifting apparatus of known construction and operation as for instance the pendulously supported plate holder apparatus of Letters Patentot the United States No. 1.622.320 granted to me March 29, 1927.

As illustrated in Figure 16, the motor 87. magnet 64, and double throw switch 92 ar connected up with the plate holder controlling members to make a first exposure. to change the position of the plate holder. and also change the position of the X-rav generator, and then make a second exposure followed by restoring or resetting the plimgers 46 and 49 to original position after a short interval of rest.

As shown in Fig. 16 the electrical connections of both the tube cha n er of the present invention and also of the p ate changer used in connection therewith are shown diagrammatically. The service lines 101 and 102 are connected to a main connector 103 to which conductors 104 and 105 are connected and extend in opposite directions to the plate changer control and tube changer control respectively. Conductor 104 is connected by wire 106 with one pole 107 of plate changing magnet 116. The other pole 108 of the plate changing magnet coil is connected to contact 109 of the plate changing switch 110. A wire 111 connects contact 109 with contact 112 of the switch 110. The remaining contacts 113 and 114 of the plate changing switch are connected respectively to the conductor 105 and one side of the remote control or push button switch 670. The automatic shift 115 of the plate changer mechanism consists essentially of a gravity switch which is normally latched or released through the action of the plate changing magnet 116. The terminals of the automatic shift switch are permanently connected to conductors 104 and 105. Conductor 104 connects to one of each of the pairs of terminals 89 and 90 on the double throw switch 92. The remaining terminal 90 is connected to one side of the motor 37 and the remaining terminal 89 is connected to one side of the tube changer magnet 64. The opposite side of the tube changer magnet is connected by wire 117 and 118 to the con ta t 114 of the plate changing switch on the plate changer.

lVhen it is desired to make a stereo-radiographic exposure, the plate changer with two plates therein is arranged so that one of the plates is aligned with the X-ray generator or tube in its elevated position. When the operator wishes to make this set of stereoradiographs he first energizes the X-ray generator or tube with its normal switch (not shown) and forthwith also presses the remote control switch 670. The current then flows through wire 104 to terminal 92 thence through magnet 64, and wires 117 118, through the switch to wires 105. This releases the double throw switch and at the same time allows the generator to descend during which time interval the first exposure is completed. When the double throw switch connects wire 104 through contacts 90 to the motor and thence through the wire 105, the motor is energized and begins its operation to raise the X-ray generator to its initial position. In the interval prior to the energizing of the motor, the plate changing switch has energized plate changing magnet 116 and released the auto-shift 115 whereupon the operator presses the normal X-ray generator switch and makes the second exposure just as the X-ray generator reaches the bottom of its movement. It will be noted that the operator, in making a stereo-radiograph of the chest may position the subject between the X-ray generator and plate changer and then, taking the normal X-ray generator control switch in one hand and having the remote control convenient to he oth r hand may make the two exposures while the shifting of plate and of X-ray generator or tube are carried on automatically after the pressing of a remote control switch 670. The motor 37 when set in operation operates the pump which raises the cylinder and again tween terminals and establishes connection between terminals 89 while raising the generator to its initial position so that the device is in condition to again be put through the same cycle of operations or for making single or successive exposures without stereoscopic effect as may be desired.

The apparatus herein shown and described is capable of considerable modification within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

What I claim is r 1. Radiographic apparatus comprising a vertically movable X-ray generator carriage, a fluid reservoir mounted upon said carriage, a cylinder mounted upon said carriage and supplied with fluid from said reservoir, a plunger movable in said cylinder, an X-ray generator mounted upon said plunger, means to force fluid from said reservoir into said cylinder to move said plunger relative to said cylinder, and a valve controlled fluid exit port from said cylinder.

2. Radiographic apparatus comprising a vertically movable carriage, a fluid reservoir mounted thereon, a cylinder supplied with fluid from said reservoir, a plunger movable in said cylinder, an X-ray generator mounted upon said plunger, means to force fluid from said reservoir into said cylinder to move said plunger relative to said cylinder, and a valve controlled fluid exit port from said cylinder.

3. Radiographic apparatus comprising a vertically movable X-ray generator carriage, a fluid reservoir mounted upon said carriage, a cylinder mounted upon said carriage and supplied with fluid from said reservoir, a plunger movable in said cylinder, an X-ray generator mounted upon said plunger, means to force fluid from said reservoir into said cylinder to move said plunger relative to said cylinder, and a valve controlled fluid exit port from said cylinder; means to latch said plun er in an elevated position, means operable to unlatch said plunger and means to open the fluid .exit port from said cylinder and permit an escape of fluid from the cylinder and a consequent movement of the plunger and X-ray generator.

4. Radiographic apparatus comprising a fluid reservoir, a cylinder supplied with fluid from said reservoir, a plunger movable verbreaks the connection beerable to alternately plunger movable vertically in said tically in said cylinder, an X-ray generator supported upon and movable, with said plunger, a pump adapted to force fluid from said reservoir past a check valve into said cylinder below said plunger, an electric motor operably connected to said pump, a fluid exit port from said cylinder to said reservoir, a valve operable to open and close said exit port, a first latch member to latch said plunger in an elevated position, a second latch member to normally latch said exit port valve in closed position, electrically actuated means to trip said first and second latch members, an electrical circuit having two branches, one to actuate said electrical motor and the other to release said first and second latch members, an electrical switch opopen and close said respective circuit branches, and means operable by the alternate elevation and lowering of said plunger to actuate said electrical switch first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

5. In combination with a movable plate holder carriage, including electrically actuated means to release said plate holder cariage from one position and to latch it in another position, of a fluid reservoir, a cylinder supplied with fluid from said reservoir, a cylinder, an X-ray generator supported upon and movable with said plunger, a pump adapted to force fluid from said reservoir past a check valve into said cylinder below said plunger, an electric motor operably connected to said pump, a fluid exit port from said cylinder to said reservoir, a valve operable to open and close said exit port, a first latch member to latch said plunger in an elevated position, a second latch member to normally latch said exit port valve in closed position, electrically actuated means to trip said plunger latch member and exit valve latch member, an electrical circuit having one branch group circuit adapted when energized to unlatch said plate holder carriage to unlatch said plunger and to unlatch said exit valve and another branch adapted to energize said pump motor, an electrical switch operable to alternately open one of said electrical circuit branches and close the opposite circuit branch, and means operable in unison with the movements of said plunger to actuate said electrical switch first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

6. Radiographic apparatus comprising a supporting member, a carriage vertically adjustable upon said supporting member, a fluid reservoir mounted upon said carriage, a vertically disposed cylinder mounted upon said carriage, a vertically movable plunger mounted in said cylinder, an X-ray generator mounted upon said plunger, electrically actuated means to force fluid from said reservoir into said cylinder below said plunger to elevate said plunger and X-ray generator, a fluid exit port leading from the lower end of said cylinder to discharge fluid from said cylinder to lower said plunger therein, a valve adapted to control the flow of fluid through said exit port, an electrically actuated latch adapted to latch said plunger in an elevated position, an electrical circuit having one branch to energize said fluid forcing means 9 and another branch to energize said plunger latch, an electrical switch adapted to alternately open one circuit branch and close the other circuit branch, and switch actuating means movable in unison with the movements of said plunger.

7. Radiographic apparatus comprising a supporting member, a carriage vertically adjustable upon said supporting member, a fluid reservoir mounted upon said carriage, a vertically disposed cylinder mounted upon said carriage, a plunger movable vertically in said cylinder, an X-ray generator mounted upon said plunger, electrically actuated means carried by said carriage to force fluid from said reservoir into said cylinder below said plunger to elevate said plunger and X- ray generator, a fluid exit port leading from the lower end of said cylinder to discharge fluid from said cylinder to said reservoir to lower said plunger in said cylinder, a valve adapted to control the flow of fluid through said exit port, an electrically actuated latch adapted to latch said plunger in an elevated position, an electrical circuit having one branch to energize said fluid forcing means and another branch to energize said plunger latch, an electrical switch adapted to alternately open one circuit branch and close the other circuit branch, switch actuating means 9 movable in unison with the-movements of said plunger, and means to substantially counterbalance said carriage and members mounted upon said carriage upon and relative to said carriage supporting member. In testimony whereof I have aflixed my signature.

JOHN ROBERT KELLEY. 

